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We tell you about four Indian states that should be on your travel wish list

India is big. This is a truism; we have truisms because, well, they’re pretty much true. Or at least they sometimes are. In any event, India is big and it has 28 states and we’d venture to guess you’ve visited 3/4 of them. That’s if we’re being generous. But there are tons of them that tend to remain off the radar – or occasionally on the radar for all the wrong reasons. Here are four states we bet you’ve never visited, and some reasons to reconsider:?

Arunachal Pradesh: Some compare it to Kashmir, others to Bhutan, but anyone who’s been there would agree that it’s breathtaking. The star attraction is Tawang Monastery, but you can also check out the Ziro Festival or embark on some amazing trekking trips. Just get that Inner Line Permit first.?

Orissa: If you’re Bengali (or Oriya, duh) you’ve almost certainly been. But for the rest of India, Orissa’s basically some temples and some tribal hinterlands. A not entirely inaccurate, but a rather un-nuanced, view of what the state has to offer. Come for the textiles, stay for… well, those temples and beaches aren’t a bad reason…

Lakshadweep: Divers already know… hell, you probably know too…but we’ll repeat it: India’s slice of the Maldives is an actual, no-holds-barred, 100 percent tropical paradise. Plus, it’s a little challenging for most foreigners, which means fewer backpackers. This is all to say it’s more or less perfect. Go. Now.?

Meghalaya: Another Northeastern gem (we could have listed all of the Seven Sisters and called it a day, but that seemed lazy,) Meghalaya is probably the most stable and accessible state in the region. Base yourself in Shillong and explore the gorgeous hills (oh and the killer food) all within easy reach.